The City of Clarksville is reflecting back as December 9 approaches—as it represents the one-year anniversary of when an EF-3 tornado devastated portions of the city and killed four people.
That tornado was one of many the hit the southeastern part of the United States that day in 2023 as part of a historic severe weather outbreak that brought destruction to the region. In Montgomery County alone, nearly 1,000 homes were impacted, including 114 homes destroyed and 268 homes with major damage.
Ten-year-old Arlan Coty of Clarksville, 34-year-old Stephen Hayes of Clarksville, 78-year-old Penny Scroggins of Clarksville and 59-year-old Donna Allen of Florida were killed by injuries sustained during the tornadic event. Sixty-two other individuals sustained injuries.
The tornado in Clarksville first touched down on Fort Campbell, just north of the Sabre Army Airfield, initially causing mostly minor tree damage.
Now, a year out, recovery efforts continue in Clarksville, but the city and those who call it home have come a long way since that December 9, 2023. Though, to the loved ones of those who lost their lives, the wounds may never truly heal.
Director of Clarksville Neighborhood and Community Services Michelle Austin says about 20 families residing in the City are awaiting home reconstruction and many more are receiving case management support as they fully recover.
Mayor Joe Pitts says they would stop until every family get the help they need and won’t, even if it takes another ten years.
That same tornado also struck areas in Todd County, the southern parts of the county, but luckily, no one was injured in Todd County.
